U.S. patent application number 10/866003 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus.
Invention is credited to Fujiki, Koji, Inoue, Seiji, Kohara, Kimio, Naganawa, Tomoki, Nara, Kenichi, Oka, Katsuhiko.
Application Number | 20050022977 10/866003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34108556 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050022977 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kohara, Kimio ; et
al. |
February 3, 2005 |
Counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
Abstract
A counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
accommodates a change in volume of a liquid while preventing
reduction in heat transport capability. A flow path and a buffer
tank are placed in communication with each other via a throttle
such as a capillary tube. This prevents a channel connecting the
flow path and the buffer tank from having an excessively reduced
channel resistance (flow path resistance). This prevents the fluid
in a heat transport device assembly (the flow path) from only going
back and forth between the heat transport device assembly and the
buffer tank without experiencing liquid (pressure) oscillations in
the heat transport device assembly. Accordingly, the liquid in the
heat transport device assembly is prevented from being reduced in
amplitude of oscillation, thereby preventing degradation in heat
transport capability of the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow
heat transport apparatus.
Inventors: |
Kohara, Kimio; (Nagoya-city,
JP) ; Inoue, Seiji; (Nukata-gun, JP) ; Nara,
Kenichi; (Obu-city, JP) ; Fujiki, Koji;
(Anjo-city, JP) ; Oka, Katsuhiko; (Kariya-city,
JP) ; Naganawa, Tomoki; (Kariya-city, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
34108556 |
Appl. No.: |
10/866003 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/104.11 ;
257/E23.098 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 2924/0002 20130101;
H01L 2924/0002 20130101; H01L 23/473 20130101; H01L 2924/00
20130101; F28D 15/06 20130101; F28D 15/0233 20130101; F28F 13/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/104.11 |
International
Class: |
F28D 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 12, 2003 |
JP |
2003-167746 |
Oct 16, 2003 |
JP |
2003-356304 |
Apr 14, 2004 |
JP |
2004-118910 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
for inducing oscillatory movement in a liquid flowing in opposite
directions through adjacent flow paths to transfer heat between the
adjacent flow paths and thereby transport heat from a hot area to a
cold area, the apparatus comprising: a buffer tank that is placed
in communication with the flow path for accommodating changes in
volume of the liquid; and means for throttling between the flow
path and the buffer tank so that the flow path and the buffer tank
can communicate with each other, wherein the throttle means has a
predetermined channel resistance.
2. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the throttle means
comprises a capillary tube having a channel of a predetermined
length.
3. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the throttle means
comprises an orifice having a hole of a predetermined diameter.
4. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 1, the throttle means further
comprising: means for channeling liquid, the liquid channel means
formed in a scroll pattern.
5. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 4, the liquid channel means further
comprising: a plate having a groove formed in a scroll pattern.
6. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 1, the throttle means further
comprising: means for channeling liquid, the liquid channel means
formed in a spiral fashion.
7. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 6, the liquid channel means further
comprising: a female screw-shaped member having a spiral groove
formed on an inner circumferential wall thereof and a rod-shaped
cover member fitted into the female screw-shaped member.
8. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 6, the liquid channel means further
comprising: a male screw-shaped member having a spiral groove
formed on an outer circumferential wall thereof and a cylindrical
member having a hole portion fitted over the male screw-shaped
member.
9. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the groove is generally
triangular in cross section.
10. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a fluid tank
chamber located in the buffer tank, the fluid tank chamber fillable
with a fluid, wherein the throttle means is in communication with
the tank chamber.
11. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a gas tank
chamber located in the buffer tank, the gas tank chamber fillable
with a gas; and a partition for defining the liquid tank chamber
and the gas tank chamber, the partition being elastically
deformable and displaceable.
12. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the partition comprises a
bellows.
13. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the partition is formed of
a bag-shaped thin-film member of an elastic material.
14. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 1, the buffer tank further comprising:
means for correcting an opening position of a buffer tank side
opening of the throttle means below a liquid and gas interface.
15. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the buffer tank is located
in liquid and formed in a capsule shape defining an inner space
therein, and the throttle means is integrated with the buffer tank,
the buffer tank having a gas and a liquid filled in the inner space
thereof and including a weight portion for orienting a tank inner
opening of the throttle means such that the tank inner opening is
immersed in the liquid.
16. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: a female screw
portion formed in the buffer tank, and a bolt-shaped member
integrated with a male screw portion screwed into the female screw
portion and the weight portion, wherein the throttle means passes
through the male screw portion and the weight portion.
17. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the buffer tank is located
in the liquid and formed in a capsule shape defining a space
therein, and the throttle means is integrated with the buffer tank,
the buffer tank having a gas and a liquid filled in the inner space
thereof and including a weight portion for orienting a tank inner
opening of the throttle means such that the tank inner opening is
immersed in the liquid.
18. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: a reserve tank
provided with a communication path in communication with the flow
path and filled with the liquid therein, and wherein the buffer
tank is located inside the reserve tank.
19. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of
the buffer tanks located in the reserve tank.
20. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of
the communication paths.
21. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the buffer tank is
generally spherical in shape.
22. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the weight portion is
formed of a fixing material for securing the throttle means to the
buffer tank.
23. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the channel resistance
across the throttle means is from 0.1% to 5% of the channel
resistance across the flow path.
24. The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the channel resistance
across the throttle means is from 0.5% to 3% of the channel
resistance across the flow path.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon, claims the benefit of
priority of, and incorporates by reference Japanese Patent
Applications No. 2003-167746 filed Jun. 12, 2003, No. 2003-356304
filed Oct. 16, 2003, and No. 2004-118910 filed Apr. 14, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus that induces oscillatory
movement in a liquid flowing in opposite directions through
adjacent flow paths to transfer heat therebetween and thereby
transport heat from a hot area to a cold area. The apparatus is
effectively applicable to thermal-quasi-superconductive plates,
thermal switches, thermal diodes, and the like.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus utilizes the enhanced diffusion effect provided by
oscillatory movement in a fluid flow based on the following
principle.
[0006] Take an example shown in FIG. 21, in which a liquid within a
conduit has a temperature distribution. For simplicity, consider a
rectangular wave oscillation induced in the liquid, in the case of
which a portion of the liquid stays at point H for half an
oscillation cycle and then immediately moves to point L and stays
there for the other half cycle, then moves back again to point H
immediately thereafter.
[0007] Consider a liquid portion (referred to as an element) at
point C in the absence of oscillation. When this element is
oscillated to move to point H, heat is transferred from the wall of
the conduit to the element because the temperature of the wall at
point H is higher than that of the element. When the element is
further oscillated to move to point L, heat is transferred from the
element to the wall because the temperature of the wall at point L
is lower than that of the element.
[0008] In other words, one oscillation causes heat to be
transferred from point H to point L just as a frog jumps from one
place to another. Such a frog jump would never occur in the absence
of the oscillation but is caused to take place by the oscillation.
Thus, the higher the frequency of the oscillation, the larger the
number of times of frog jumps per unit time becomes, while the
larger the amplitude, the greater the distance of a frog jump
becomes. That is, the additional displacement of heat provided by a
frog jump increases with increasing amplitudes and cycles (e.g.,
see Patent Document 1, or Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
2002-364991)
[0009] A liquid within in a heat transport device that provides a
flow path varies in volume due to changes in temperature or a trace
amount of leakage. Accordingly, when the liquid expands in volume
due to an increase in temperature, it is necessary to accommodate
the increase in volume and thus an increase in pressure, to prevent
damage to the heat transport device assembly.
[0010] On the other hand, when a decrease in volume of the liquid,
due to a decrease in temperature, reduces the pressure in the heat
transport device, the decrease in pressure results in a gas being
produced in the heat transport device. The resulting gas absorbs
oscillatory movement in the liquid to reduce the amplitude of the
oscillatory movement in the liquid, thereby causing a decrease in
heat transport capability. It is thus necessary to accommodate a
reduction in volume of the liquid to prevent degradation in heat
transport capability.
[0011] To this end, the flow path in the heat transport device may
be placed in communication with a buffer tank such as a reserve
tank. With this configuration, when the liquid in the flow path is
expanded, the excessive volume of liquid resulting from the
expansion can be introduced into the buffer tank to accommodate the
expansion in volume. On the other hand, when the liquid in the flow
path is contracted to decrease in volume, the reduced amount of
liquid resulting from the contraction can be supplied from the
buffer tank to the flow path, thereby accommodating the contraction
in volume.
[0012] However, since liquid (pressure) oscillations occur
everywhere in the flow path, an excessively low channel resistance
(flow path resistance) across the channel for connecting between
the flow path and the buffer tank would cause the liquid to move
only back and forth between the flow path and the buffer tank
without experiencing any liquid (pressure) oscillation in the flow
path (in the heat transport device). This may cause the liquid in
the flow path (in the heat transport device) to be reduced in
oscillation amplitude, resulting in a decrease in heat transport
capability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention was developed in view of the
aforementioned problems. It is therefore a first object of the
invention to provide a new counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow
heat transport apparatus that is different from the prior art. A
second object of the invention is to provide a counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus that accommodates changes
in volume of a liquid while preventing degradation in heat
transport capability.
[0014] To achieve the aforementioned objects, a first aspect of the
invention offers a counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat
transport apparatus for inducing oscillatory movement in a liquid
flowing in opposite directions through adjacent flow paths (3) to
transfer heat between the adjacent flow paths (3) and thereby
transport heat from a hot area to a cold area. The apparatus has a
buffer tank (6) that is placed in communication with the flow path
(3) and accommodates changes in volume of the liquid, such that the
flow path (3) and the buffer tank (6) communicate with each other
via throttle means having a predetermined channel resistance.
[0015] This feature prevents a channel connecting between the flow
path (3) and the buffer tank (6) from having an excessively reduced
channel resistance (flow path resistance), thereby preventing the
liquid in the flow path (3) from only going back and forth between
the flow path (3) and the buffer tank (6) due to oscillations in
the liquid. Accordingly, the liquid in the flow path (3) is
prevented from being reduced in amplitude of oscillation, thereby
preventing degradation in heat transport capability of the
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus.
[0016] A second aspect of the invention is characterized in that
the throttle means (5) includes a capillary tube having a channel
of a predetermined length. A third aspect of the invention is
characterized in that the throttle means (5) includes an orifice
having a hole of a predetermined diameter.
[0017] A fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that
the throttle means (5) includes liquid channel means formed in a
scroll pattern.
[0018] These features allow the throttle means (5) to be reduced in
size while ensuring a required length of the liquid channel
included in the throttle means (5), thereby preventing the
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus from
increasing in size. At the same time, the features also prevent the
channel connecting between the flow path (3) and the buffer tank
(6) from having an excessively reduced channel resistance (flow
path resistance), thereby preventing degradation in heat transport
capability of the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat
transport apparatus.
[0019] These features also allow for elongating the length of the
liquid channel to thereby ensure a required channel resistance
(flow path resistance). This allows for making the liquid channel
more resistant to clogging as compared with a case where the
channel resistance is provided by the liquid channel being reduced
in cross section, thereby providing higher reliability for the
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus.
[0020] A fifth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the
liquid channel means has a plate (5a) having a groove (5b) formed
in a scroll pattern. A sixth aspect of the invention is
characterized in that the throttle means (5) has liquid channel
means formed in a spiral fashion. These features allow the throttle
means (5) to be reduced in size while ensuring a required length of
the liquid channel included in the throttle means (5), thereby
preventing the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus from increasing in size. At the same time, the features
also prevent the channel connecting between the flow path (3) and
the buffer tank (6) from having an excessively reduced channel
resistance (flow path resistance), thereby preventing degradation
in heat transport capability of the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus.
[0021] On the other hand, these features also allow for elongating
the length of the liquid channel to thereby ensure a required
channel resistance (flow path resistance). This allows for making
the liquid channel more resistant to clogging as compared with a
case where the channel resistance is provided by the liquid channel
being reduced in cross section, thereby providing higher
reliability for the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat
transport apparatus.
[0022] A seventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that
the liquid channel means has a female screw-shaped member (5c)
having a spiral groove (5b) formed on an inner circumferential wall
thereof and a rod-shaped cover member (5d) fitted into the female
screw-shaped member (5c). An eighth aspect of the invention is
characterized in that the liquid channel means has a male
screw-shaped member (5e) having a spiral groove (5b) formed on an
outer circumferential wall thereof and a cylindrical member (5g)
having a hole portion (5f) fitted over the male screw-shaped member
(5e). A ninth aspect of the invention is characterized such that
the groove (5b) is generally triangular in cross section. A tenth
aspect of the invention is characterized such that the throttle
means (5) is in communication with a tank chamber (6a) in the
buffer tank (6), the tank chamber (6a) being filled with a fluid
and changeable in volume.
[0023] A tenth aspect of the invention is characterized such that
the buffer tank (6) has the tank chamber (6a) filled with a liquid
and a gas tank chamber (6d) filled with a gas, wherein a partition
(6b, 6f) for defining the tank chamber (6a) and the gas tank
chamber (6d) is elastically deformable and displaceable.
[0024] A twelfth aspect of the invention is characterized such that
the partition (6b) has a bellows. A thirteenth aspect of the
invention is characterized such that the partition (6f) is formed
of a bag-shaped thin-film member of an elastic material. A
fourteenth aspect of the invention is characterized such that the
buffer tank (6) is filled with a liquid and a gas, and has opening
position correction means for positioning a buffer tank (6) side
opening of the throttle means (5) below the interface between the
liquid and the gas. These features allow for accommodating changes
in volume of the liquid while preventing the buffer tank (6) from
being installed in a limited orientation (in the vertical
direction), thereby preventing degradation in heat transport
capability of the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat
transport apparatus.
[0025] A fifteenth aspect of the invention, which is based on the
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to the first aspect, is characterized such that the
buffer tank (6) is located in the liquid and formed in the shape of
a capsule having a space therein. The throttle means (5) is
integrated with the buffer tank (6), the buffer tank (6) having a
gas and a liquid filled in the inner space and including a weight
portion (6h, 9, 10b) for orienting a tank inner opening (5h) of the
throttle means (5) such that the tank inner opening (5h) is
immersed in the liquid.
[0026] This feature allows the weight portion (6h, 9, 10b) to
orient the tank inner opening (5h) such that the tank inner opening
(5h) is immersed in the liquid irrespective of the orientation in
which the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus is installed. Accordingly, an increase in volume of the
liquid would cause the gas in the buffer tank (6) to be compressed,
thereby accommodating the increase in volume of the liquid. On the
other hand, a decrease in volume of the liquid would cause the
liquid in the buffer tank (6) to flow into the flow path (3),
thereby preventing the decrease in volume of the liquid. The
apparatus can make use of these effects without having a movable or
elastic portion susceptible to changes over time, thereby providing
enhanced durability.
[0027] A sixteenth aspect of the invention, which is based on the
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to the fifteenth aspect, has a female screw portion (6i)
formed in the buffer tank (6) and a bolt-shaped member (10)
integrated with a male screw portion (10a) screwed into the female
screw portion (6i) and the weight portion (10b). This is
accomplished such that the throttle means (5) passes through the
male screw portion (10a) and the weight portion (10b). This feature
allows the buffer tank (6) to be easily integrated with the
throttle means (5) and the weight portion (10b) by the male screw
portion (10a) of the bolt-shaped member (10) being screwed into the
female screw portion (6i) of the buffer tank (6).
[0028] According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, the
throttle means (5) of the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat
transport apparatus incorporating any of the second to ninth
aspects may be used to form the throttle means (5) of the buffer
tank (6).
[0029] According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, the
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
incorporating any of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects may
include a reserve tank (8) provided with a communication path (7)
in communication with the flow path (3) and filled with the liquid
therein, such that the buffer tank (6) is located inside the
reserve tank (8). According to a nineteenth aspect of the
invention, the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus that incorporates the eighteenth aspect of the invention
may include a plurality of the buffer tanks (6) located in the
reserve tank (8).
[0030] According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, the
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
incorporating the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect may include a
plurality of the communication paths (7), thereby preventing the
buffer tank (6) from blocking the communication paths. According to
a twenty-first aspect of the invention, the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus according to any one of
fifteenth to twentieth aspects may include the buffer tank (6)
formed generally in a spherical shape, thereby ensuring that the
weight portion (6h, 9, 10b) quickly orients the tank inner opening
(5h) of the throttle means (5) such that the tank inner opening
(5h) is immersed in the liquid.
[0031] According to a twenty-second aspect of the invention, the
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to any one of the fifteenth to twenty-first aspects may
have the weight portion formed of a fixing material (9) for
securing the throttle means (5) to the buffer tank (6), thereby
allowing the throttle means (5) to be secured to the buffer tank
(6) and the weight portion to be secured to the buffer tank (6) at
the same time. A twenty-third aspect is characterized in that the
channel resistance across the throttle means (5) is from 0.1% to 5%
of the channel resistance across the flow path (3). According to a
twenty-fourth aspect, the channel resistance across the throttle
means (5) is from 0.5% to 3% of the channel resistance across the
flow path (3).
[0032] Incidentally, the parenthesized numerals accompanying the
foregoing individual means correspondence with concrete means seen
in the embodiments to be described later. Additionally, further
areas of applicability of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It
should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a buffer tank according
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a buffer tank according
to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a buffer tank according
to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a buffer tank according
to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a buffer tank according
to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIGS. 7A is a view of a feature of a counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus according to a sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIGS. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of
FIG. 9A;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a view showing a feature of a counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus according to a modified
example of the seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a feature
of a counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
installed in a particular orientation according to a tenth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
installed in a particular orientation according to a tenth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a feature of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus
according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0057] FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing the operation of a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] The following description of the preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0059] [First Embodiment]
[0060] This embodiment is implemented by the present invention
being applied to a cooling device for use with electronic
components. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1
according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged
cross-sectional view showing a buffer tank 6.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 1, a heat transport device assembly 2
formed generally in the shape of a swath of plate has meandering
flow paths 3 filled with a liquid, and includes a target to be
cooled or a heating element (not shown) with a heat source on a
plate face generally at a longitudinal end (at the upper end in the
figure). The configuration of the heat transport device assembly 2
will be described later.
[0062] In this embodiment, the heating element is intended to
represent electronic components such as integrated circuits for use
in computers. The heat transport device assembly 2 is also provided
with a heat sink (not shown) on the plate face opposite to that on
which the heating element is provided. The heat sink has a
plurality of heat-radiating thin-plate fins for radiating heat
transported from the heating element (hot side) to the atmosphere
(cold side).
[0063] An oscillator 4 serves as a pumping means for inducing
oscillations in the liquid within the heat transport device
assembly 2. The oscillator 4 works as a vibrator for oscillating a
liquid, e.g., by reciprocating a plunger integrated with a movable
element displaced by electromagnetic force and a piston for
inducing oscillations in the liquid.
[0064] This embodiment employs water as a liquid filled in the flow
paths 3; however, it is also possible to employ such water that is
mixed with an additive for preventing corrosion of metal or
reducing the viscosity of liquid or with an antifreeze such as
ethylene glycol for preventing of freezing. The heat transport
device assembly 2 according to this embodiment has a plurality of
meandering flow paths 3, which are formed therein as follows. That
is, metal plates such as of copper or aluminum having a high
thermal conductivity are first etched to form meandering grooves
thereon, and the resulting plates are then stacked in the direction
of their thickness to be joined together by brazing or by thermal
compression.
[0065] A flow path 3 near the oscillator 4 is in communication with
the buffer tank 6 via a capillary tube 5 included in the throttle
means having a predetermined channel resistance. FIG. 1 shows the
capillary tube 5 included in the throttle means in the form that
conforms to JIS B 0125 No. 2-3.7; however, the throttle means
includes a thin tube having a predetermined channel length as shown
in FIG. 2.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the buffer tank 6 includes a bellows 6b
defining a liquid tank chamber 6a, which is filled with a liquid
and changeable in volume, and a cover 6c for surrounding the
bellows 6b to protect the bellows 6b or the buffer tank 6. The
cover 6c is preferably provided with a hole 6h that serves to
prevent a closed space from being formed outside the liquid tank
chamber 6a. This embodiment has the bellows 6b made of a stainless
steel alloy and allows the cover 6c to work as a stopper for
limiting the maximum displacement of the bellows 6b, i.e., the
maximum volume of the liquid tank chamber 6a.
[0067] Suppose that the temperature of the liquid changes from
0.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. In this case, the liquid increases in
volume by several percent (about 3% for water or about 4% for water
mixed with an antifreeze such as ethylene glycol). Accordingly,
this embodiment is designed such that the bellows 6b is 26 mm in
its outer dimensions and allowed to displace 12 mm at the
maximum.
[0068] Now, the operation of the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1 according to this
embodiment will be generally explained. Oscillations being induced
in the liquid in the flow paths 3 (the heat transport device
assembly 2) by the oscillator 4 allow heat to be transferred
between the liquid flowing through adjacent flow paths 3. This
causes heat from the heating element located at one longitudinal
end of the heat transport device assembly 2 to be transported
toward the other longitudinal end of the heat transport device
assembly 2, thus spreading the heat throughout the heat transport
device assembly 2. The heat thus spread throughout the heat
transport device assembly 2 and collected at the other longitudinal
end thereof is released into the atmosphere via the heat sink.
[0069] Now, the operation and effects of the buffer tank 6 will be
described. Suppose that the liquid in the heat transport device
assembly 2 (the f low paths 3) is expanded by a certain amount of
volume. This volume of liquid flows into the buffer tank 6 (the
liquid tank chamber 6a) via the capillary tube 5, thereby
accommodating the expansion in volume of the liquid flowing through
the heat transport device assembly 2.
[0070] On the other hand, when the liquid flowing through the heat
transport device assembly 2 (the flow paths 3) is reduced in
volume, the liquid in the buffer tank 6 (the liquid tank chamber
6a) flows back into the heat transport device assembly 2 via the
capillary tube 5, thereby accommodating the reduction in volume of
the liquid.
[0071] At this time, since the heat transport device assembly 2
(the flow path 3) and the buffer tank 6 are in communication with
each other via the capillary tube 5 that has a predetermined
channel resistance, the channel connecting the flow path 3 and the
buffer tank 6 will never have an excessively reduced channel
resistance (flow path resistance).
[0072] Therefore, the liquid in the heat transport device assembly
2 (the flow path 3) can be prevented from moving only back and
forth between the heat transport device assembly 2 and the buffer
tank 6 without experiencing any liquid (pressure) oscillation in
the heat transport device assembly 2. It is thus possible to
prevent the liquid in the heat transport device assembly 2 from
being reduced in oscillation amplitude as well as the
counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1
from being reduced in heat transport capability.
[0073] As can be seen from the aforementioned description on the
operation, the liquid tank chamber 6a and the heat transport device
assembly 2 are preferably filled with a liquid. That is, the liquid
tank chamber 6a and the flow path 3 may be first evacuated using a
vacuum pump or the like allowing no gas to remain in the liquid
tank chamber 6a and the flow path 3, and thereafter a liquid (water
in this embodiment) may be injected therein.
[0074] An excessively high channel resistance across the capillary
tube 5 would make it impossible to quickly supply the liquid from
the buffer tank 6 to the heat transport device assembly 2 when the
liquid is reduced in volume. Therefore, the channel resistance
across the capillary tube included in the throttle means is from
0.1% to 5%, preferably from 0.5% to 3% of the channel resistance
across the flow path 3. In this context, this embodiment is adapted
such that the length of the capillary tube 5 is 30 mm and the hole
in the capillary tube 5 is 0.12 mm to 0.19 mm in diameter, thereby
providing the capillary tube 5 with a channel resistance which is
from 0.5% to 3% of the channel resistance across the flow path
3.
[0075] The channel resistance across the throttle means or the
channel resistance across the capillary tube 5 and the channel
resistance across the flow path 3 refer to a pressure loss produced
by a reference liquid (water in this embodiment) being allowed to
flow at a predetermined flow rate. The channel resistance across
the capillary tube 5 can be adjusted to an appropriate value,
thereby preventing the liquid in the buffer tank 6 from resonating
with vibrations created by the oscillator 4. This in turn makes it
possible to prevent the occurrence of oscillatory noise and damage
otherwise caused by the resonance.
[0076] [Second Embodiment]
[0077] In the first embodiment, the space in the bellows 6b was
employed as the liquid tank chamber 6a. However, as shown in FIG.
3, this embodiment is adapted such that the buffer tank 6 includes
a liquid tank chamber 6a filled with a liquid and a gas tank
chamber 6d filled with a gas. Also employed is a bellows 6b, which
is elastically deformable and displaceable, as a partition for
defining the liquid tank chamber 6a and the gas tank chamber
6d.
[0078] In this second embodiment, the space defined by the bellows
6b and a cylindrical housing 6e serves as the liquid tank chamber
6a, while the space in the bellows 6b serves as the gas tank
chamber 6d. Since the gas tank chamber 6d is a closed space in this
embodiment, a gas to be sealed in the gas tank chamber 6d is
preferably an inert gas such as nitrogen. However, to provide a
hole 6h for the gas tank chamber 6d to define an open space, the
buffer tank 6 is configured substantially in the same manner as in
the first embodiment.
[0079] [Third Embodiment]
[0080] This embodiment is a modified example of the second
embodiment. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a partitioning
member for defining the liquid tank chamber 6a and the gas tank
chamber 6d is a thin-film bag-shaped member 6f made of an elastic
material such as rubber. In this embodiment, the space defined by
the bag-shaped member 6f and the housing 6e serves as the liquid
tank chamber 6a, while the closed space in the bag-shaped member 6f
serves as the gas tank chamber 6d.
[0081] [Fourth Embodiment]
[0082] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the buffer tank 6 is
filled with a liquid and a gas, and the capillary tube 5 is made of
a flexible material as used for a rubber hose or the like. The
capillary tube 5 is provided with a weight 6g at an opening thereof
at the buffer tank 6 side such that the buffer tank 6 side opening
of the capillary tube 5 is always located below the interface
between the liquid and the gas.
[0083] This feature allows for preventing the gas from flowing into
the heat transport device assembly 2 (the flow path 3) irrespective
of the orientation of installation of the buffer tank 6. The
feature also allows for accommodating changes in volume of the
liquid, thereby preventing degradation in heat transport capability
of the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus 1.
[0084] With the buffer tank 6 being sealed, it is preferable to
employ a gas, such as nitrogen, which is hardly soluble in a
liquid. However, the buffer tank 6 may also be defined as an open
space. For example, suppose that the liquid (water in this
embodiment) has a volume of 100 cc and the gas has a volume of 10
cc, and the liquid and the gas are sealed under atmospheric
pressure (0.1 MPa). Since the maximum pressure is about 0.14 MPa in
this case, the buffer tank 6 being formed as a closed tank would
never be manufactured at significantly increased costs.
[0085] [Fifth Embodiment]
[0086] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the capillary tube 5
is provided with the weight 6g at the opening thereof at the buffer
tank 6 side such that the buffer tank 6 side opening of the
capillary tube 5 is always located below the interface between the
liquid and the gas. In this embodiment, the capillary tube 5 is
inserted into the buffer tank 6 so as to extend from top to bottom.
It is thus not necessary to make the capillary tube 5 of a flexible
material as used for a rubber hose or the like; nevertheless, the
capillary tube 5 may be made of a flexible material.
[0087] [Sixth Embodiment]
[0088] The capillary tube 5 serving as the throttle means was
formed in a straight line in the first to third embodiments;
however, in this embodiment, the liquid channel serving as the
throttle means is formed in a scroll pattern. That is, as shown in
FIG. 7, this embodiment is designed such that a scroll-patterned
groove 5b is formed on a plate 5a of metal or resin. Additionally,
as shown in FIG. 8, the groove 5b side of the plate 5a is joined to
the heat transport device assembly 2, thereby blocking the groove
5b at the heat transport device assembly 2 to form the
scroll-patterned liquid channel, i.e., the throttle means.
[0089] For example, the plate 5a is secured to the heat transport
device assembly 2 by bonding or brazing or with mechanical means
such as a spring providing a spring-back force or a screw.
Additionally, in this embodiment, the center portion of the
scroll-patterned groove 5b is placed in communication with the flow
path 3 of the heat transport device assembly 2, while the end of
the scroll-patterned groove 5b is placed in communication with the
inside of the liquid tank chamber 6a.
[0090] These features allow for reducing the size of the plate 5a
having the groove 5b formed thereon while ensuring a required
length of the liquid channel serving as the throttle means or of
the groove 5b, thereby preventing the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1 from increasing in
size. At the same time, the features also prevent the channel
connecting between the heat transport device assembly 2 (the flow
path 3) and the buffer tank 6 from having an excessively reduced
channel resistance (flow path resistance), thereby preventing
degradation in heat transport capability of the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1.
[0091] On the other hand, these features also allow for elongating
the length of the liquid channel or the groove 5b to thereby ensure
a required channel resistance (flow path resistance). This allows
for making the liquid channel more resistant to clogging as
compared with a case where the channel resistance is provided by
the liquid channel being reduced in cross section, thereby
providing higher reliability for the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1.
[0092] This embodiment can be implemented with the capillary tube 5
being formed in a scroll pattern. However, since it is more
difficult to form the capillary tube 5 in a scroll pattern than to
form the scroll-patterned groove 5b on the plate 5a, this
embodiment is designed such that the scroll-patterned groove 5b is
engraved on the plate 5a to form a scroll-patterned liquid channel
or the throttle means. In this embodiment, the groove 5b is
generally triangular in cross section because the triangular cross
section can be easily formed when the groove 5b is engraved by
cutting. Therefore, the groove 5b according to this embodiment is
not limited to a triangular shape, but may also be formed in a
rectangular or semi-circular shape when the groove 5b is formed
using dies, e.g., by stamping or by injection molding.
[0093] In another way, in this embodiment, the opening side of the
groove 5b is blocked at the heat transport device assembly 2;
however, this embodiment is not limited thereto, and the opening
side of the groove 5b may also be blocked with a specially prepared
plate. Furthermore, the center portion of the scroll-patterned
groove 5b is placed in communication with the flow path 3 of the
heat transport device assembly 2, while the end of the
scroll-patterned groove 5b is placed in communication with the
inside of the liquid tank chamber 6a; however, this embodiment is
not limited thereto. In contrast to this, the center portion of the
scroll-patterned groove 5b may be placed in communication with the
inside of the liquid tank chamber 6a, with the end of the
scroll-patterned groove 5b being placed in communication with the
flow path 3 of the heat transport device assembly 2.
[0094] [Seventh Embodiment]
[0095] Although the sixth embodiment employs the scroll-patterned
liquid channel serving as the throttle means, this embodiment
employs a spiral liquid channel serving as the throttle means. That
is, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a rod-shaped cover member 5d is
fitted into a female screw-shaped member 5c, on the inner
circumferential wall of which is formed a spiral groove 5b, to
block the opening side of the groove 5b formed on the female
screw-shaped member 5c, thus forming a spiral liquid channel.
[0096] Like the sixth embodiment, this feature also allows this
embodiment to reduce the size of the plate 5a having the groove 5b
formed thereon while ensuring a required length of the liquid
channel serving as the throttle means or of the groove 5b, thereby
preventing the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport
apparatus 1 from increasing in size. At the same time, the feature
also prevents the channel connecting between the heat transport
device assembly 2 (the flow path 3) and the buffer tank 6 from
having an excessively reduced channel resistance (flow path
resistance), thereby preventing degradation in heat transport
capability of the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat
transport apparatus 1.
[0097] On the other hand, this feature also allows for elongating
the length of the liquid channel or the groove 5b to thereby ensure
a required channel resistance (flow path resistance). This allows
for making the liquid channel more resistant to clogging as
compared with a case where the channel resistance is provided by
the liquid channel being reduced in cross section, thereby
providing higher reliability for the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1.
[0098] Furthermore, the groove 5b serving as the throttle means can
be easily tapped, thereby readily providing the throttle means
without an increase in manufacturing man-hours. As shown in FIG. 9,
the cover member 5d has a ridge diameter d that is smaller than the
root diameter D of the female screw-shaped member 5c.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the cover member 5d may be
formed in a simple cylindrical or tubular shape, which has the same
diameter as the ridge diameter of the female screw-shaped member
5c, so as to be securely fitted into the female screw-shaped member
5c. The cover member 5d can be made of any material such as resin
or metal.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, a communication
hole formed in the heat transport device assembly 2 to communicate
with the liquid tank chamber 6a is employed as the female
screw-shaped member 5c, on the inner circumferential wall of which
formed is the spiral groove 5b; however, this embodiment is not
limited thereto. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the groove 5b is
generally triangular in cross section considering the machinability
of forming the groove 5b; however, this embodiment is not limited
thereto but may also employ a rectangular or semi-circular shape,
for example.
[0100] [Eighth Embodiment]
[0101] In the seventh embodiment, the rod-shaped cover member 5d
was fitted into the female screw-shaped member 5c, on the inner
circumferential wall of which was formed the spiral groove 5b, to
block the opening side of the groove 5b formed on the female
screw-shaped member 5c, thus forming a spiral liquid channel. In
contrast to this, as shown in FIG. 12, this embodiment has a spiral
liquid channel that is defined by a male screw-shaped member 5e on
the outer circumferential wall of which is formed a spiral groove
5b and a cylindrical member 5g having a hole portion 5f into which
the male screw-shaped member 5e is fitted. In this configuration,
the male screw-shaped member 5e is securely fitted into the
cylindrical member 5g.
[0102] Like the seventh embodiment, this feature also allows this
embodiment to reduce the size of the plate 5a closing the groove 5b
formed on the male screw-shaped member 5e while ensuring a required
length of the liquid channel serving as the throttle means or of
the groove 5b, thereby preventing the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1 from increasing in
size. At the same time, the feature also prevents the channel
connecting the heat transport device assembly 2 (the flow path 3)
and the buffer tank 6 from having an excessively reduced channel
resistance (flow path resistance), thereby preventing degradation
in heat transport capability of the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1.
[0103] On the other hand, this feature also allows for elongating
the length of the liquid channel or the groove 5b to thereby ensure
a required channel resistance (flow path resistance). This allows
for making the liquid channel more resistant to clogging as
compared with a case where the channel resistance is provided by
the liquid channel being reduced in cross section, thereby
providing higher reliability for the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus 1. In this embodiment,
the communication hole formed in the heat transport device assembly
2 to communicate with the liquid tank chamber 6a is employed as the
cylindrical member 5g; however, this embodiment is not limited
thereto.
[0104] [Ninth Embodiment]
[0105] In the sixth to eighth embodiments, the spiral groove 5b or
the throttle means was provided on the heat transport device
assembly 2; however, as shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, the
spiral groove 5b or the throttle means is provided in the
oscillator 4. In FIG. 13, the groove 5b has a spiral shape;
however, this embodiment is not limited thereto but may also employ
a scroll-patterned groove 5b.
[0106] [Tenth Embodiment]
[0107] Unlike the aforementioned embodiments, this embodiment is
adapted such that the buffer tank 6 is formed in a spherical and
capsular shape so as to be movable through a liquid. As shown in
FIGS. 14A and 14B, the buffer tank 6 includes a weight portion 6h
provided by the outer shell of the tank being increased in
thickness and a throttle portion 5 that passes through the weight
portion 6h for fluid communication between the inside and outside
of the buffer tank. The buffer tank 6 is filled with a liquid L and
a gas G in its inner space.
[0108] Furthermore, the buffer tank 6 is located within a reserve
tank 8 that communicates with the flow path 3 via a communication
path 7 and is filled with the liquid L. The communication path 7
has the maximum diameter that is smaller than the minimum diameter
of the buffer tank 6, thereby preventing the buffer tank 6 from
flowing into the flow path 3.
[0109] According to this feature, the weight portion 6h is
naturally located in the direction of gravity (downwardly in FIG.
14), thereby allowing a tank inner opening 5h of the throttle
portion 5 to be always immersed in the liquid. Accordingly, even
when the buffer tank 6 rotates by 90 degrees to change its
orientation from that shown in FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B, this feature
prevents a gas from going into the heat transport device assembly 2
(the flow path 3). At the same time, the feature prevents
degradation in heat transport capability of the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus while accommodating
changes in volume of the liquid.
[0110] Furthermore, this embodiment allows for accommodating
changes in volume of the liquid by dispensing with both the bellows
6b defining the liquid tank chamber 6a and the elastic member for
defining the gas tank chamber 6d and the liquid tank chamber 6a,
both of which were employed in the aforementioned embodiments. The
bellows 6 band the elastic member, which are movable, may be broken
or cracked due to changes over time.
[0111] However, in this embodiment, an increase in volume of the
liquid would cause the gas in the buffer tank 6 to be compressed,
thereby accommodating the increase in volume of the liquid. On the
other hand, a decrease in volume of the liquid would cause the
liquid in the buffer tank 6 to flow into the flow path 3, thereby
preventing the decrease in volume of the liquid. This embodiment
allows for making use of these effects without the movable and
elastic portions vulnerable to changes over time, thereby providing
enhanced durability.
[0112] Furthermore, this embodiment employs the spherical buffer
tank 6, thereby allowing the weight portion 6h to quickly orient in
the direction of gravity when the buffer tank 6 changes its
orientation. The buffer tank 6 would rotate 90 degrees to change
its orientation when a device (e.g., a computer or an inverter to
be cooled), into which the counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow
heat transport apparatus 1 is incorporated and from which heat is
to be transported, is placed from one orientation to another by a
user, e.g., from vertical to horizontal orientation.
[0113] [Eleventh Embodiment]
[0114] This embodiment is configured generally in the same manner
as the tenth embodiment; however, the throttle portion 5 is secured
with a fixing material 9 as shown in FIG. 15. As in this
embodiment, the throttle portion 5 can be secured to the buffer
tank 6 with the fixing material 9, allowing the fixing material 9
to be used as a weight portion. Any material may be used as the
fixing material 9 but a watertight material is preferably used
including welding materials, solders, brazing materials, or
adhesives.
[0115] [Twelfth Embodiment]
[0116] This embodiment is configured generally in the same manner
as the eleventh embodiment; however, as shown in FIG. 16, the
channel in the throttle member 5 is extended and bent as well,
thereby allowing the liquid in the throttle member 5 to experience
an increased channel resistance. For example, to obtain the same
channel resistance as that of the throttle member 5 having a short
and straight channel as in the eleventh embodiment, this feature
allows the throttle member 5 to have an increased inner diameter.
It is thus made possible to prevent the liquid from remaining
(clogging) in the throttle member 5.
[0117] [Thirteenth Embodiment]
[0118] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, a female screw
portion 6i is formed in the outer shell of the buffer tank 6,
allowing a bolt 10, having a male screw portion 10a and a weight
portion 10b, to be screwed into the female screw portion 6i. The
bolt 10 is provided with a throttle portion 5 formed so as to pass
through the weight portion 10b (the head of the bolt 10) and the
male screw portion 10a. This makes it possible to easily integrate
the throttle portion 5 and the weight portion 10b with the buffer
tank 6 by screwing the bolt 10 into the buffer tank 6.
[0119] [Fourteenth Embodiment]
[0120] This embodiment is configured generally in the same manner
as the eleventh embodiment; however, the outer shell of the buffer
tank 6 has a polygonal shape with straight faces (FIG. 18). This
feature allows for easily manufacturing the buffer tank 6 as
compared with the outer shell being spherical in shape, thereby
providing the buffer tank 6 at reduced costs.
[0121] [Fifteenth Embodiment]
[0122] As shown in FIG. 19, this embodiment has a plurality of
buffer tanks 6 positioned in the reserve tank 8. This configuration
allows for reducing each buffer tank 6 in size as compared with one
buffer tank 6 being in use. In other words, the amount of gas
present in the buffer tank 6 can be reduced. For example, this
feature allows for reducing the amount of gas flowing out of the
buffer tank 6 when the weight portion 6h of a buffer tank 6 is not
oriented in the direction of gravity.
[0123] The tank inner opening 5h of the throttle portion 5 may be
disposed to project into the buffer tank 6 as shown in FIGS. 15 and
16. This would allow part of the gas to remain in the buffer tank 6
even when the weight portion 6h of the buffer tank 6 is not
oriented in the direction of gravity, thereby reducing the amount
of gas flowing out of the buffer tank 6.
[0124] [Sixteenth Embodiment]
[0125] As shown in FIG. 20, this embodiment has a plurality of
communication paths 7 disposed to communicate between the reserve
tank 8 and the flow path 3. This configuration prevents the buffer
tank 6 from blocking a communication path 7, and ensures that the
buffer tank 6 in the reserve tank 8 accommodates an increase in
volume of the liquid in the flow path 3. In this embodiment, the
number of communication paths 7 is greater than that of the buffer
tanks 6 so that the flow path 3 communicates with the reserve tank
8 via at least one communication path 7 even if the remaining
communication paths 7 are blocked by the buffer tanks 6.
[0126] [Other Embodiments]
[0127] The aforementioned embodiments apply the counter-stream-mode
oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus according to the present
invention to a cooling device used for electronic components such
as integrated circuits or the like in computers; however, the
present invention is not limited thereto, but may be applied to
other devices.
[0128] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiments, the bellows
6b was used as a partitioning member for defining the gas tank
chamber 6d or the atmospheric side and the liquid tank chamber 6a;
however, the present invention is not limited thereto, but a thin
film such as a diaphragm or a piston may also be used, for
example.
[0129] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiments, the
capillary tube 5 was used as the throttle means; however, the
present invention is not limited thereto, but the throttle means
may also include an orifice (small hole) having a hole of a
predetermined diameter, for example. On the other hand, it is also
acceptable to provide a plurality of throttle means as the
aforementioned throttle means.
[0130] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiments, the degree
of opening of the throttle means was set to a fixed value; however,
the present invention is not limited thereto, but the degree of
opening of the throttle means may also be varied according to the
frequency of oscillations provided by the oscillator 4, for
example. Additionally, in the aforementioned embodiments, the
buffer tank 6 was placed in communication with the flow path 3 near
the oscillator 4; however, the present invention is not limited
thereto, but the flow path 3 and the buffer tank 6 may also be
placed in communication with each other at any position.
[0131] Still furthermore, such an example has been shown in the
aforementioned eleventh, and fourteenth to sixteenth embodiments in
which the throttle portion 5 is straight; however, the throttle
portion 5 may also be naturally implemented in the form of the
capillary tube according to the second embodiment or the liquid
channel according to the sixth to ninth embodiments.
[0132] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *